A systemic analysis of participatory land and water governance in the Tsitsa River Catchment, South Africa

Abstract Effective governance of complex social‐ecological systems requires diverse stakeholders to be engaged in meaningful participatory processes. Meaningful participation must be intelligible and significant to local actors and coherent within a broader, multilevel governance system. This study explores the complexities of participatory land and water governance in South Africa's Tsitsa River Catchment. Embedded within a transdisciplinary landscape restoration project (the Tsitsa Project), this study combines a diagram‐based analysis of local actor mental models with a narrative‐based analysis of participant observation data. Challenges, opportunities, and general principles are identified. Limited accessibility, resource constraints, and the legacy of centralised governance impede participation. The research identifies the critical role of local actors, particularly those with deep community ties, in driving inclusive processes. Building trust through face‐to‐face interactions and culturally appropriate communication strategies also emerged as vital elements for success. This research can inform participatory projects and interventions in rural and developing world contexts.